Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; January 15, 2015)

Javed Akhtar turns 70 on January 17 and his birthday bash will be a strictly private affair. The party will be held at Farhan Akhtar’s farmhouse in Lonavala and will have family and a few close friends such as Ritesh Sidhwani and Reema Kagti in attendance.

According to a source, “Farhan, who doesn’t believe in elaborate celebrations for himself, has organised the entire event with his sister Zoya helping him. The duo has planned a brunch on the day.”

The source adds Shabana Azmi plans to surprise her lyricist-husband on his birthday by reading out some poems that she has written for him.

Shabana says, “Some of us are going a day earlier and the rest of the family will join us on the 17th. The brunch will last until 9pm. It’s a beautiful place and we are all going to celebrate there.”

Talking about the menu, she says, “The food is going to be Awadhi as Javed loves the cuisine. So expect everything ranging from biryani to kebabs, paaya and haleem to be part of the menu.”